Availing themselves of the invitation to do so, a number of citizens of Charleston equipped the pilot boat Savannah with an eighteen-pounder, mounted on a pivot; procured a crew of thirty men, all told, under Capt. Thomas H. Baker; supplied them with small arms and ammunition, and sent them out under a commission which, because it was the first issued, shall be given in full, as follows:
“Jefferson Davis, President of the Confederate States of America, To all who shall see these Presents, Greeting:
“Know ye, That by virtue of the power vested in me by law, I have commissioned, and do hereby commission, have authorized, and do hereby authorize, the schooner or vessel called the Savannah (more particularly described in the schedule hereunto annexed), whereof T. Harrison Baker is commander, to act as a private armed vessel in the service of the Confederate States, on the high seas, against the United States of America, their ships, vessels, goods, and effects, and those of their citizens, during the pendency of the war now existing between the said Confederate States and the said United States.
“This commission to continue in force until revoked by the President of the Confederate States for the time being.
“Given under my hand and the seal of the Confederate States, at Montgomery, this eighteenth day of May, A.D., 1861.
“(Signed) Jefferson Davis.
“By the President. R. Toombs, Secretary of State.
“SCHEDULE OF DESCRIPTION OF THE VESSEL.
“Name—Schooner Savannah. Tonnage—Fifty-three 41/95th tons. Armament—One large pivot gun and small arms. No. of crew—thirty.”
THE SAVANNAH